In the first quarter of 2013, EMC implemented restructuring programs to create further operational efficiencies which will result in a workforce reduction of 1,004 positions.

The actions will impact positions around the globe covering our Information Storage, RSA Information Security and Information Intelligence Group segments, and is expected to result in a total charge of approximately $80.0 million, with total cash payments associated with the plan expected to be approximately $73.0 million.

All of these actions are expected to be completed within a year of the start of each program.

EMC, which had dismissed another 1,163 workers last year, employs about 60,000 worldwide.

While it's been years since I've written about the storage industry for Network World, the fortunes of EMC do hit closer to home for me than do those of other vendors: literally closer to home, as I live a strong-armed stone's throw from EMC headquarters in Hopkinton, Mass. Twice a day I drive through the snarled traffic at the intersection of Rte. 495, West Main and South Street; those traffic jams a tangible reminder of what one big business means to one small town. One of my sons is scheduled to play a Little League game tonight at EMC Park.

I hope none of his teammates' parents got the bad news.

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